RANGER SOFTBALL SPLITS WITH HILLCATS

CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Northwestern softball team pulled off a split in Claremore on Thursday, winning the opening game against Rogers State, 7-6, before falling to a 10-1 run-rule in game two.

Trailing 4-3 through five complete innings in game one, Northwestern came up with a big sixth inning, using Jeana Hancock’s team-leading sixth home run, a three-run shot to right center to spur a Ranger comeback.

However, Rogers State did answer with a run in the bottom of the sixth to pull the score to 7-5, but Meagan Lack got out of the bottom of the seventh after the Hillcats scored a run and the left runners on second and third for the eventual victory.

Lack recorded the first save of the season for the Rangers, while Renea Tarwater (3-2) got the win, pitching six complete innings, including three strikeouts and four runs given up.

Kati Jo Gabaldon had the only multi-hit game for NWOSU, going 2-for3 with two runs and a run batted in.

Northwestern was out hit 12 to 8 in the win.

The second game of the day lasted only five innings as Rogers State launched four home runs in the first inning in aiding the Hillcats to a six-run first inning.

Northwestern scored its only run in the second inning, as Kati Jo Gabaldon doubled in pinch runner Shalee Shafer for the only run of the contest.

The Rangers only had five hits, with Heather Hokeah coming up with two of them.

Amy Ramirez pitched 3.2 innings in relief of starter Lack (2-4).

The Ranger softball team (8-7, 1-3) travels to Wichita, Kan. for the Friends Tournament on Friday and Saturday.